your power exists to protect

[ Out to the backyard, he finds Johan sitting before his koi pond, as though quietly observing the fish as they curiously bob and weave. ]

Ah, you’re here.

[ He says with some level of despondence, but still feels his heart pound painfully in his chest at the sight of him; feels the want of hazel eyes to well and glass over with tears he won’t shed.

Johan’s come to find why Ruby acts so strange whenever he’s around. Truthfully, Tatara knew it was only a matter of time before that happened.

Sitting down beside him before the pond, Tatara internally vows to hold nothing back, here and now. Talks still start small and general, branching off from the vague to the specific. Eventually, they broach the question of what they were in the life before, and that’s where the god hesitates. Obviously, they were more than friends, but… lovers? Was that it? The query is all too open-ended.

Tatara’s expression is sheepish and apologetic. ]

...Aaah, we weren’t boyfriends, no. [ He’s the one using that word, not Johan. It’s likely met with some degree of embarrassment from the other as a result, before the elder adds--] We never got that far.

[ A beat. ]

Sorry, but we were just friends.

[ The hand-holding, forehead-resting, nose-nuzzling sort of ‘friends’, yes. The kind of friends who feel their hearts beat faster whenever they’re together; the kind that greet each other every morning, and wish each other sweet dreams every night. That type of ”friends”.
But, sadly, that’s the extent of it; then, now, and forever. That chapter of Tatara’s life has, unfortunately, closed. ]

The only boyfriend I’ve ever had is Munakata Reisi.

[ A man tall and proud, able to protect him. A much better fit in general, some might say. But the heart does what it wants, without regard for things like that -- Tatara’s most especially, hapless fool that he is. It had wandered to Johan almost on-sight, for some reason. He’s never been able to quite explain it.

Or, maybe that’s just the nature of love itself, he’d told himself.

A silence elapses. ]

But… I would have been yours, in a second. In a heartbeat.

[ He swallows and shakes his head slightly, quietly adding-- ] ...I wanted to be yours. And I think you wanted to be mine, too.

But, you never asked, and neither did I.

[ And at the time, that was fine! There was no need to rush these things. They could play childlike dating games of romance at their leisure, reveling in the flutter of invisible butterflies somewhere deep within them. Back then, they had all the time in the world to let the slow-blooming flower of love and affection gradually open its petals to the world, and blossom into something long and lasting. They had forever to fall in love, and eternity to share in it.

Or, so he thought.

His tone changes then, lifting cheerily, as though he’s trying to make light of this folly. He won’t say ‘I love you’, but… ]

I cared for you a lot. [ A small, helpless shrug. ] I still do, actually! [ He admits with a laugh, intending to play off the weight of such a remark as nothing at all. Ignore the shine to his eyes, please. ]

I think that’s why Ruby came to me -- she remembers, from before. [ He brings a hand up to his shoulder once more, in case she’s there. She isn’t, and he’s unaware. But, right on cue, she approaches and nuzzles into his palm anyway, though he doesn’t know it. ] She took a long time to warm up to me, but we became good friends. She cares for you, too, so I’m glad she’s still with you.

[ In a way, it’s a bit heartbreaking to him, but he can’t offer his romantic affection anymore; not in good conscience. One wrong move, and he’ll topple the delicate balance of this world and its Kings. To think about it makes him feel as though he’s betrothed, beholden to the Blue King, when in reality he knows better than to think he’ll ever be married -- most especially to Reisi. But, regardless, he’s with that man now, and he’s happy; well-tended to, appreciated, and content, if not doted upon.

...Would he have been happier with Johan? Well, that’s not a fair comparison to make. It’s not for him to say, anyway. He can’t let himself go thinking about things like that.

However...

He turns in his seat a little, more directly facing the shinki while wearing a sincere, placid expression. ]

I will always be there for you, Johan. I will always help you, whenever you need. No matter where you are, if you reach for me, I will come to you. Always.

[ Because you will always have a piece of my heart, no matter if you remember me or not. ]

For as long as we’re here, you can count on me.

[ Since I loved you once, and will never stop cherishing you. ]

I guarantee that.

Below is a rough template of Minerva's temple, aerial view, front door at the bottom. The garden, (around the right hand side by the kitchen), and backyard are not shown. More bedrooms exist, but let's face it -- I spent way too long making this thing already, so use your imagination.

Updated: 1.8.18

General Info: Incarnation of goddess Minerva, currently god to Sakon Shima, (Hakki; a pair of dice; acts as a power multiplier).

Current General Status: "It’s complicated.”

Employment Status: On-call for Sakura-hime’s clinic as a healer. Formerly a dishwasher at Triple Cross Bar.

Relationship Status: In a relationship with Reisi Munakata, (mostsuitable)

Other: Has a fish with many, many names.

Current CR:
Alex Benedetto: A woman, then a stranger, with whom Tatara danced at the autumn gala.

Celestia: A... pony? With whom Tatara has conversed. Seems amiable, sees through his facades with a bit too much ease.

Chikusa: A very stone-faced individual who seems to have a negative view of the world. Also, likes food quite a bit.

Elfnein: A very logical, highly-intelligent girl. Seems somehow... a little somber, to Tatara.

Emizel: A younger god, from what he can tell; seems very distraught by the idea that Tatara is a god representing a goddess.

Update: Emizel appears to be a little lonely, quite distant, and slightly awkward, but Tatara enjoys his company and seeks it from time to time.

Eric Surt: Member of HOMRA from Tatara’s universe, quiet and reserved. They don’t speak much, though Tatara would like to change that.

Fubuki Tenjoin: A kind man who contacted Tatara after Johan’s disappearance, offering condolences. The two might be from the same universe, but Tatara cannot confirm.

Goten: Izumo’s “best friend”, a very enthusiastic child who loves food.

Hibiki: A cute young girl with bright eyes and an even brighter smile. They met during “childhood”.

Update: Hibiki and Tatara met again at the gala, discussing the inherent talents of others.

Izumo Kusanagi - “Kusanagi-san”: Tatara’s closest friend and ally, also his not!employer. He seems to remember Anna, but not Tatara, so the two have a complex relationship, often leaving Tatara feeling like he confuses or annoys Izumo. As Mikoto’s shinki, they have frequent interaction. Izumo stayed with Mikoto and Tatara at Tatara’s temple while Mikoto was unconscious, and during that same period news of Johan’s murder surfaced. To-date, Izumo is the only one who has seen Tatara cry as a result of that.

Update: Izumo, upon returning as a god, has informed Tatara of everything that happened following his death, (including the events of Missing Kings and parts of Return of Kings), including Mikoto’s death, and Anna’s rise to power in his stead. He’s aware of Tatara’s newfound romantic relationship with Reisi Munakata, and pointedly disapproved of it, which Tatara plainly rebuffed. However, after discussing the state of the Kings’ Swords, it was made clear that Tatara’s closeness to Reisi has the potential to play a key role in keeping the Blue Sword from a Damocles Down.

Johan Andersen - now deceased: Tatara’s (former) sole love interest, a god to whom he bonded very quickly after learning of his kind nature, though they didn’t ever confess to one another or make things official. On July 18th, Tatara went to investigate Johan’s absence, and found his temple missing, with only his shinki left behind, (see: Sakon Shima). A network post was made at that time, stating the disappearance. Two days later, that disappearance was revealed to be a murder. Tatara is still grieving from the loss, and refuses to discuss Johan’s significance with anyone who should ask.

Update: After a visit from Heimdallr (Sorey), the burden of Johan’s death was removed from Tatara’s heart... though supposedly, Sorey can still feel echoes of that grief now, instead. (Tatara is unaware of this.) Now, if asked, Tatara will say that Johan is forever a valued piece of his history, stored safely in his heart.

Kairi: Suggested the name “Noelle” for his fish, met with child!Tatara, and also contacted Tatara after Johan’s disappearance to show support.

Maria: A sweet woman, manager of one of two talent agencies -- "Sparkle Motion" -- alongside Barry Goodman, (whom Tatara has yet to meet). Their competitor, he's told, is "CelePara", run by Hibiki Shikyoin, whom Tatara interacted with briefly.

Mikoto Suoh - ”King”: The single most profound and important individual in Tatara’s life, bar none, though they are not as close here as they were in their last life together as Tatara’s presence seems to pain Mikoto somehow. Mikoto is one of the few people with whom Tatara is highly tactile. On July 17th, a teenaged Mikoto crashed through Tatara’s temple doors, unconscious. He slept for three days, eventually waking on the 20th. In that same span of time, Tatara lost his love interest, (see: Johan Andersen), and acquired his shinki (see: Sakon Shima). Mikoto knows nothing of these events, and Tatara intends to keep them secret.

Update: In late September, after an event where Mikoto threatened to tell all of the HOMRA shinki about pieces of their past, Tatara and Mikoto had a brief falling out. The divide between them widened after Izumo disappeared, (before returning as a god), at which point Tatara found Mikoto struggling to his feet amid the rubble of his temple and Tatara offered his hand. Mikoto warned Tatara away instead, and the two have barely interacted since.
Though Tatara claims he will “always be there” for Mikoto, at this point, he feels estranged from his king and clan, (his “family”), and deeply worries for the Red King’s health, and his Sword. Since he can no longer reach Mikoto, this has led to him forming an impromptu advisory council on the state of the kings, consisting of himself, Izumo Kusanagi, and Shun Kurosaki.

Mikleo: Sorey’s shinki, whom Tatara has just recently met. Stunning to look at, and seems to have a keen mind and a good heart. It’s no wonder Sorey loves him, really.

Misaki Yatagarasu - ”Yata” or occasionally ”Yata-chan”: Loud and rowdy, hot-tempered but well-meaning, another member of HOMRA from Tatara’s universe -- one of the ones he’s closer to here. Canonically, also the man in whose arms he died, though Yata doesn’t remember that.

Nanako Dojima: A sweet, bright little girl who reminds Tatara faintly of Anna and gives him feels because of that

Reisi Munakata: The man known as the current Blue King from Tatara’s universe, leader of Scepter-4. Except... he has no idea of any of that. Without that knowledge, they’re becoming friends slowly but surely, without the opposing factions to keep them from doing so.

Update: After a fight and subsequent fallout with Mikoto Suoh in late September, Reisi formally asked for Tatara’s hand, and the two of them entered into a relationship. Tatara later learned from Izumo, (upon his return to the world as a god), that Reisi was the man responsible for his king’s demise, and briefly reconsidered their romantic entanglement. However, after a private discussion, Tatara learned Reisi didn’t want to kill Mikoto, but rather, did so as a last resort. Thus, he’s opted to forgive him, and continue their relationship.

Ross: A shinki who seems to have a very strained relationship with his god, whomever he might be.

Sakon Shima: Tatara’s latest shinki, found at the site of Johan’s old temple, abandoned and distraught. Tatara took him in and named him without hesitation, and has been working to console and bond with this new shinki ever since. Seems to have a big, strong heart, but doesn’t like to be left alone. They’ll be joined at the hip for a while.

Update: Tatara finally used Hakki's power, rolling an eight and unwittingly overexerting himself in the process due to enhanced strength and endurance making him feel as though he could handle well beyond what his body normally allows. (He'll have to learn to be more careful in the future.) In the process, Tatara learned that gods can feel their shinki, to some degree; he now feels much more connected to Sakon than before.

Sakura: One of the kindest, gentlest souls Tatara has met in the Far Shore. Extremely anxious, very shy, but wholly well-meaning, Tatara adores her in the way of a big brother; yet, she is also his part-time employer, and a princess.

Saruhiko Fushimi: That damn monkey Formerly of Tatara’s clan, from his universe. They’ve only talked briefly, sadly.

Shizuo Heiwajima: An Izumo lookalike, but definitely not related. Just as stubborn as Izumo but with less decorum, and greater physical strength. Both of them are immensely loyal, kindhearted, and helpful -- as Shizuo demonstrated by carrying an exhausted Tatara home.

Shun Kurosaki: A god who knows of Johan's death, stating he's one of the ones who found his body. Tatara also now knows he is, effectively, the new Blue King in this place, having access to Munakata's Sanctum as his god. Thankfully, he seems to have a strong moral compass and a great sense of duty and responsibility, as well as the will to protect others. After a long chat, he's been effectively AU'ed into the K universe after Tatara imparted all his working knowledge of the Kings and the Slate onto him. (*Side note: He seems troubled or burdened sometimes. Definitely needs a hug, but Tatara won't touch him, internally calling him "prickly".)

Update: Upon seeing the sad state of the Blue Sword, and uncovering hidden loneliness and discontent in Reisi, Tatara has opted to reach out to Shun. Respecting him as one of the individuals still allowed decently close to Mikoto AND god to the Blue King, both, he’s asked for Shun’s help in staging a sort of intervention for the kings, in order to prevent one or more instances of a Damocles Down. Shun has accepted, and planning is now in progress.

Sorey: A gentle, sweet, kind person who tugs on Tatara's heart by reminding him of Johan with his eyes and smile. Tatara feels very strongly for him, and wants to shield him from hurt and harm.

Update: Sorey recovered his memories about his shinki Mikleo and told Tatara of this after a healing session, (see Johan above). At that point, it was revealed that the two have a very strong bond. Tatara even implied that Sorey seems to be in love with Mikleo, and Sorey did not deny it. Tatara encouraged Sorey to talk to Mikleo, telling him “you don’t have to tell him anything dangerous to tell him you care”, and saying, “just hug him and tell him he matters to you”. As of now, Sorey has yet to act on that advice, and Tatara gently chided him for it, but the pair ultimately reconciled.

Former CR:

Alice: A kind young goddess who can speak to animals, or so he’s told. He plans to seek her out in the future.

Bandou - "San-chan”: A man from Tatara’s universe whom he knows as a close friend of his shinki, Shouhei Akagi. Came to Tatara’s aid after the loss of Johan, and the two bonded a bit more closely than before. In return, Tatara assisted him when he seemed upset and came seeking comfort from Shouhei. Has since gone home, along with Shouhei.

Enomoto Tatsuya: A member of Scepter-4 from Tatara’s universe, now having regained memories of being a part of an opposing clan. Kind, composed, and rational - much like his king. Has since gone home, much to Reisi’s dismay.

Farfarello: The man behind the murder of Tatara’s former love interest, Johan Andersen. Has since been caught, and was put to death for his crimes.

Mira: Warmhearted and kind, she is another gentle spirit that Tatara would fight to keep safe; but she seems plenty safe where she is, whoever she’s with.

Owain: A proud-but-homeless shinki Tatara offered to take in, if only temporarily. Owain declined.

Shouhei Akagi: The best shinki a god(dess) could ask for. Helpful and kind, sweet and sincere. Tatara’s been trying not to interfere in the goings-on between he and San-chan, knowing how close Shouhei and Bandou were in their last life together, (even if the two of them are largely unaware). Has since gone home, along with Bandou.

Snow White: Yes, like the fairy tale, except this is a man -- and a touchy one at that. Outwardly attractive, (and confident of that), but a bit haughty.

Yukina: A newer shinki, to Alice (Idunna). Seems very warmhearted and helpful.

CHARACTER: Tatara Totsuka
CANON: K / K Project
GOD: Minerva
MYTHOLOGY: Roman
POWER: Intuitive Aptitude
FOLLOWERS:
SHINKI:
TEMPLE:

Player Information

Name: Silent
Contact: tandemthoughts
Age: 25+
Other Characters: Demyx, Kingdom Hearts

Character Information

Name: Tatara Totsuka
Canon: K
Canon Point: Post-death; pre-anime, chapter 15 of Memory of Red manga
Age: 22
History: Wiki link here.
Personality:

To preface, it’s important to detail a bit of Tatara’s history, (covered by the history section above), to expound upon how those events have shaped him as an adult. As a child, Tatara was abandoned by his birth parents in a public park, and later adopted by a childless couple. Based on this, it can perhaps be implicitly suggested that these events fostered a sense of independence and self-reliance from a young age, which carried over into adulthood.

One of the predominant features of Tatara’s personality is his optimism, which borders on unflappable, even in life-or-death situations. Indicative of this, he carries a sort of personal credo with him: “Everything will work out.” This is used by him throughout canon, often in tough situations or amid times of heavy conflict or turmoil. Even when things are at a fever pitch, Tatara is known for keeping a cool and level head, able to navigate precarious situations without anxiety over himself or others impacting his decisions.

Partly because of this, it’s said that he is disconnected to a fault, called “cold-hearted” in canon by his adoptive father for being so willing to let go of things, lacking reaction to consequences and unfortunate events. In Tatara’s mind, it is simpler to detach rather than clinging, fighting, or being upset over things lost. This flightiness he carries otherwise is seen in the way his interests and hobbies rarely stick longer than a short while, varying nearly week-to-week in canon. This is often the subject of many jokes at Tatara’s expense, none of which ever truly get under his skin, though sometimes he’ll use his flare for the dramatic to create a scene simply for show.

Highly intelligent and adaptable, he’s as easily able to pick up on new things as he is keen to use his every available resource to his own benefit. For example, during his childhood, when he was at risk for starvation, he turned to a book and educated himself on the local flora so that he could eat some of it to survive. Aside from that, he’s innately musically-inclined, but is seen throughout canon as fleetingly taking up hobbies ranging from cooking, to bonsai, to photography and video-journaling.

Despite these rapidly-changing interests, Tatara has one thing that he’s anchored himself to, so to speak, and remains intensely loyal to: His clan. He is one of the first and founding members of the Red Clan, (“HOMRA”), under Mikoto Suoh, the surly Red King. Mikoto Suoh is known throughout their canon as being ill-tempered, ill-mannered, and generally antisocial. However, with Tatara being as charismatic as he is cunning and crafty, he’s able to befriend even the toughest or most intimidating of personas -- case in point, said Red King.

Still a thin, waif wisp of a young man, he’s shown throughout canon as being frequently targeted for bullying attacks. In that sense, he’s irresponsible in that he disregards that, as well as his own general health and well-being, (even flagrantly, where common sense could have been employed), for the sake of others -- or even for something he wants to do, regardless of expressly-stated consequences. When in doubt, he lets his unshakable optimism be his guide, even if and when it’s downright unreasonable given the circumstances.

Despite all of these rather childish qualities, Tatara is shown as being wise beyond his years when the time is just right and his wisdom is least expected, that “cool under pressure” characteristic coming in handy more than once. In and outside of conflict, he cares for his fellow clanmates with an almost motherly sort of approach, mediating quarrels whenever required and protecting their youngest member, Anna, from harm while cheering her up as needed. He’s helpful and supportive outside of his own personal sect as well, seen taking care of a stranger who had fallen ill for no other reason than inherent compassion.

All in all, it can be said that Tatara is the metaphorical “glue” that holds the HOMRA family together, smoothing out rough edges, soothing their hot-tempered king, and lifting the spirits of all.

Abilities: Like others within his clan in canon, Tatara is gifted with the power of fire, bestowed upon him by his affiliation with the Red King. Within his group, however, he has a sort of subspecialty in that he is incredibly precise -- far more so than the others. For example, in one instance within canon, he’s able to focus his ability enough to saw cleanly through a door lock without impacting surrounding areas. In another instance, he’s shown making butterflies or phoenixes out of flame for show, another act which requires incredible precision and control.

The unfortunate side effect to this is that these acts are incredibly taxing on Tatara, who is often shown as being winded or visibly weakened afterward, if only temporarily. They appear to require much of him, ensuring he uses his gifts sparingly at best. During many conflicts in canon, he’s seen either being asked to leave the battlefield for his own health and safety, or, if he stays, being asked to stay back and provide support and guidance from a safe distance rather than actually fight.

Strengths: Intelligent, flexible, astute, amiable, supportive

Weaknesses: Flaky, meddling, helpless, irresponsible, unrealistic

God/Shinki: God

Why?: In his canon, Tatara plays a pivotal role in controlling the actions of the Red King, Mikoto Suoh, keeping him from needlessly exercising his powers in a way that would lead to his -- or his clan’s -- downfall. He’s interlaced throughout the canon as a key character, having a hand in many events throughout various clans, despite only ever belonging to one. Furthermore, it is Tatara’s demise in canon that leads to a multi-clan war, setting the plot of the anime canon in motion.

Top 3 Choices: Minerva, Pan, Kokopelli

God Type: Previously, Tatara was most devoted to his king and clan, seeking to protect them, enrich them, encourage camaraderie, companionship, and compassion. His inherent optimism and sunny disposition still withstanding, it’s reasonable to assume these things will carry over into the afterlife and that he will once more seek to protect those which matter most to him, while still living a versatile lifestyle where he never stagnates or grows bored. As such, it makes most sense to me to have him as a supportive type, when and where possible, serving more of a stereotypical “healer” role rather than anything of the offensive variety. As is befitting who he is in his canon, it’s reasonable to me to see him as the type who will hear prayers of healing, or prayers to end interpersonal struggles or conflicts. Additionally, he’ll be well-suited to hear prayers requesting assistance with or talent in a specific hobby, most especially those related to music or photography/videography.

Writing Sample

Sample: Can be found here. Note: It begins as a text thread, but moves into a bracket-style log and has a minimum of 12 tags that convey how I play this character. More samples are available if needed.

Other

Anything Else?: I’d love to be paired with a castmate as a shinki, if one is available!